I founded a business that makes high-end play kitchens. I was told no one would pay for them, but now I run a million-dollar company.

Shari Raymond founded Milton and Goose

Courtesy of Shari Raymond

• Shari Raymond founded Milton and Goose after searching for a play kitchen for her son.
• Mentors told her that parents would never pay hundreds for a play kitchen.
• Shari had a gut feeling parents would pay for sustainability and quality, she says.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shari Raymond, founder of Milton and Goose. It has been edited for length and clarity.

A decade ago...